City boss Mancini to go for Gago

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is planning a last-ditch transfer deadline-day swoop for Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago.

Mancini has made Gago one of his top transfer targets since taking over at Eastlands.

City are believed to have had a bid rejected for Gago last week, but they are now ready to come back with an improved offer to try and persuade Real to sell the Argentine.

Gago's agent, Marcello Lombilla, admits they are now waiting to see if Real will accept City's new offer.

"Manchester City will present a formal offer on Monday and then the decision is up to Real Madrid and we are waiting for the answer," Lombilla told the Daily Mirror.

Reports in Spain suggest Real are unwilling to sell Gago as they are competing to win La Liga and the UEFA Champions League this season.

However, City are expected to tie up the signing of Parma's McDonald Mariga before the transfer window slams shut at 5pm.

City are understood to have agreed a deal for the Kenyan midfielder, with Valeri Bojinov set to stay at Parma as part of the package.